Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – National Association of Manufacturers Vice President of Labor, Legal and Regulatory Policy Patrick Hedren released the following statement on the Department of Homeland Security’s report on combatting counterfeit goods sold over the internet:

Manufacturers have always had to deal with counterfeit goods, but the issue has become much more widespread in recent years, resulting in a better understanding of the challenge ahead and what must be done to overcome it. This report lays out proposals to deal with gaps in enforcement and the role of online platforms, which are two important pieces of the puzzle. The administration’s breakthrough “phase one” deal with China included strong, enforceable intellectual property protections to help counter the import of fake goods, and as the report recognizes, we need additional effective tools and better agency coordination with the private sector to fight back. At the end of the day, this is about as bipartisan an issue as you can find—and the solution should be, too. We look forward to reviewing the details of the report and working with members of Congress, the administration and private-sector stakeholders to better protect the public from the threat of fake goods.

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.37 trillion to the U.S. economy annually andhas the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visitwww.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons delivered the eighth-annual NAM State of Manufacturing Address today at equipment manufacturer Vermeer Corporation in Pella, Iowa. Speaking to Vermeer Corporation employees, business and community leaders and local manufacturers, Timmons highlighted the NAM’s ambitious plan to address the industry’s growing workforce crisis with the groundbreaking, multimillion-dollar “Creators Wanted” campaign.

In his remarks, Timmons said:

“For 125 years, your NAM has led the business community and fought for all who make things in America. And all of you in this room, and the 13 million men and women in our industry, some of whom are watching today, are part of the storied history of building an exceptional nation. And Vermeer, this very company, embodies the story of manufacturers’ progress.”

. . . .

“In this pivotal year, the NAM and The Manufacturing Institute, our workforce and education partner, are setting out on an unprecedented campaign to inspire a new generation—and tell the real story of our industry. . . . Our historic effort, called “Creators Wanted,” is a capital campaign that will support the programs of the Manufacturing Institute—including the STEP Women’s Initiative, youth engagement and Heroes MAKE America, which trains our returning servicemembers for high-paying manufacturing jobs.”

. . . .

“Just yesterday, in his remarks at the World Economic Forum, President Trump touted manufacturing’s growth and success during his presidency. As I’ve said before, from tax reform to regulatory certainty to leveling the playing field, promises made to manufacturers have been promises kept—and the employment and output numbers show it.”

. . . .

“Here’s what I will say about this election . . . It’s not the label next to a candidate’s name—whether an “R,” a “D” or an “I”—that determines whether he or she will be a good president or even a good member of Congress. The test is whether he or she will work to uphold the values that make America exceptional. These are the same four values, the same four pillars, that make our industry’s success possible.”

Timmons also noted the generous contributions made by Vermeer and Pella Corporation to the NAM’s Creators Wanted campaign.

“And I am proud to announce today that Vermeer Corporation, along with your foundation and Mary and Dr. Dale Andringa, have contributed $100,000 to this cause. And another local manufacturer, Pella Corporation, is also leading by example with a $100,000 contribution of their own,” said Timmons.

Vermeer Corporation President and CEO Jason Andringa thanked Timmons for his visit and the NAM’s commitment to ensuring the long-term success of manufacturing in the United States.

“Thank you to Jay Timmons and the National Association of Manufacturers for visiting Vermeer Corporation and recognizing the incredible work of our team members and manufacturers across the country,” said Andringa. “These men and women truly demonstrate the impact our industry makes every day and represent the success of American manufacturing.”

To read the full address, click here.

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.37 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Manufacturers has announced Rachel Jones as its new Vice President of Energy and Resources Policy. Jones currently serves as the NAM’s Senior Director of Energy and Resources Policy.

“This is a well-deserved promotion for Rachel, and I know she will ensure we do not miss a beat,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Her relentless drive has made her a powerful advocate for our members and a respected voice on the Hill and in the Administration on issues ranging from environmental policy to energy production to infrastructure and regulatory issues. Rachel brings a limitless passion to all her endeavors, and we know this will be no exception.”

Current Vice President Ross Eisenberg has been named Vice President of Federal Affairs at the American Chemistry Council.

“It is safe to say that thanks to the work of Ross Eisenberg, manufacturers in America today are operating with more environmental regulatory certainty while also more clearly demonstrating their contributions to responsible environmental stewardship.”

Before joining the NAM, Jones was the environment and energy counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, where she advised the Committee on EPA, Department of Energy, Department of the Interior, FERC, NASA, NOAA and the White House Office of Science and Technology activities. She served as a legal fellow for the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and as executive student notes and comments editor for the Energy Law Journal.

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The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.38 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 62.5% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – Marking the 125th anniversary—to the day—of the National Association of Manufacturers’ founding, President and CEO Jay Timmons will travel to Pella, Iowa, to deliver his “State of Manufacturing Address” at Vermeer Corporation, an industrial and agricultural equipment manufacturer, on Wednesday, Jan. 22. In his remarks, Timmons will highlight the diversity of modern manufacturing job opportunities and how the industry is working to fill more than 4.6 million jobs over the next decade and address the workforce crisis through the NAM’s unprecedented Creators Wanted campaign. This event also serves as the launch for “Competing to Win,” the NAM’s 2020 policy agenda for candidates and elected officials.

Timmons will be joined by Vermeer Corporation employees and business and community leaders to discuss the rewarding and diverse opportunities in manufacturing as well as the state of the industry and the issues that matter this election season.

“This is a pivotal year for manufacturers, as we celebrate our history and build our future,” said Timmons. “Manufacturers consistently say their top concern is educating Americans on the opportunities in our industry and finding workers for the half-million unfilled jobs open today and the 4.6 million that will be open over the coming decade. As with the challenges we’ve faced throughout history, manufacturers are ready to be the solution.”

WHO: NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons

WHAT: NAM’s 2020 State of Manufacturing Address

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 10:00 a.m. CST

WHERE: Vermeer Corporation Global Pavilion, 1210 E. Vermeer Rd., Pella, IA 50219

WATCH: A livestream will be available at https://www.facebook.com/NAMpage.

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.38 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 62.5% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – Marking the 125th anniversary—to the day—of the National Association of Manufacturers’ founding, President and CEO Jay Timmons will travel to Pella, Iowa, to deliver his “State of Manufacturing Address” at Vermeer Corporation, an industrial and agricultural equipment manufacturer, on Wednesday, Jan. 22. In his remarks, Timmons will highlight the diversity of modern manufacturing job opportunities and how the industry is working to fill more than 4.6 million jobs over the next decade and address the workforce crisis through the NAM’s unprecedented Creators Wanted campaign. This event also serves as the launch for “Competing to Win,” the NAM’s 2020 policy agenda for candidates and elected officials.

Timmons will be joined by Vermeer Corporation employees and business and community leaders to discuss the rewarding and diverse opportunities in manufacturing as well as the state of the industry and the issues that matter this election season.

“This is a pivotal year for manufacturers, as we celebrate our history and build our future,” said Timmons. “Manufacturers consistently say their top concern is educating Americans on the opportunities in our industry and finding workers for the half-million unfilled jobs open today and the 4.6 million that will be open over the coming decade. As with the challenges we’ve faced throughout history, manufacturers are ready to be the solution.”

WHO: NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons

WHAT: NAM’s 2020 State of Manufacturing Address

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 10:00 a.m. CST

** Media Check-In: 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. CST

WHERE: Vermeer Corporation Global Pavilion, 1210 E. Vermeer Rd., Pella, IA 50219

Members of the media interested in attending or covering the address should contact Rob Damschen ([email protected]) or [email protected].

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.38 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 62.5% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons commended President Trump and United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer for successfully negotiating the unprecedented “phase one” trade agreement with China, noting “no other administration has achieved this level of success with—and accountability of—America’s primary economic adversary in the past three decades.” Timmons was at the White House today for the signing of the historic agreement.

Timmons wrote to President Trump two years ago urging him “to consider pursuing a truly modern, innovative and comprehensive bilateral trade agreement with China that wholly restructures our economic relationship.” Shortly after, the NAM released a full negotiating objectives framework for such an agreement.

In his January 2018 letter to President Trump, Timmons declared “when our workers have a level playing field, no one—absolutely no one—can beat us. China must follow the same rules as everyone else and must be held accountable when it cheats. China has proven one of the most troubling markets in the world for manufacturers, due to its lack of commitment to free markets, fair competition and reform. From unfair subsidies and massive overcapacity in sectors such as steel and aluminum, to intellectual property theft and market-distorting policies that shield Chinese companies, manufacturers and workers in the United States face an unfair playing field that has harmed U.S. manufacturing and held us back.”

“Results matter,” said Timmons today. “We are proud that the ‘phase one’ deal includes core elements of the NAM’s proposed framework. Because of the President’s tenacity and focus, this is an indisputable win for our country and a momentous day in the U.S.–China economic relationship. It is a remarkable turning point for manufacturers, with the unprecedented and enforceable commitments on critical intellectual property protections to which China has agreed.

“The NAM looks forward to reviewing the final text of this agreement and to working with the administration in holding China accountable for its ambitious commitments. Additionally, we are committed to achieving more progress in reducing trade uncertainty as the focus of the administration and the NAM now turn to ‘phase two.’”

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.38 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 62.5% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement on the passing of American Society of Association Executives President and CEO John H. Graham IV:

“John Graham made it his life’s mission to empower others to unite in support of causes greater than themselves. He understood the power of associations better than anyone—calling them ‘refuges and communities for people who want to come together for a common purpose and achieve results that are positive for our nation and the world. Thanks to John, more Americans are able to make that positive difference. Our world truly is a better place because John was in it.

“Across his four decades of association leadership, at ASAE and at the American Diabetes Association, he demonstrated the best of our professional community. I consider myself fortunate to have learned from John through the years. He recognized the value of leaders using their platforms to be a unifying force in society, to look beyond our silos and address concerns of diversity, inclusion and justice. We are grateful for his support of the work of our Council of Manufacturing Associations as well as for the many ways the NAM team benefited from the ASAE resources he pioneered.

“Throughout his career, John brought people together. Now, we come together to mourn his passing. It is a testament to his legacy and impact that so many people of diverse backgrounds, from an array of industries and nonprofits, are affected by this loss. We extend our deepest condolences to John’s family, his colleagues and all who loved him. We are thinking of you and praying for you.”

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.38 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 62.5% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Manufacturers announced that Greenerd Press & Machine Company President and CEO Jerry Letendre has been named to the NAM Board of Directors. Letendre will join the NAM Board to advance a manufacturing policy agenda that promotes growth and prosperity for all Americans.

The NAM is the largest industrial trade association in the United States and the nation’s leading advocate for manufacturing. The NAM’s 14,000 members include some of the world’s most iconic brands, and more than 90% of its members are small and medium-sized businesses. The NAM Board is the driving force behind the NAM’s advocacy efforts on issues affecting manufacturers.

“I am honored to be a part of the NAM Board and continue to fight for policies that will ensure our continued growth and success as manufacturers,” said Letendre. “The NAM advocates for key policies that enable U.S. manufacturers to compete successfully in the global economy, empowering us to deliver for our people and our communities following historic tax reform and significant regulatory relief.”

“Jerry’s experience leading enterprises around the world will be an invaluable contribution to the NAM Board of Directors,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “At the start of a new decade and an election year, we are in a pivotal moment for manufacturers, and Jerry will help us chart the path forward for our industry. Through our unprecedented Creators Wanted campaign, we will inspire a new generation of modern manufacturing workers. And as only the NAM can do, we will mobilize manufacturers to achieve more policy victories—on infrastructure, immigration, regulatory certainty, energy, health care and more. In all we do, we will advance the values that make our nation exceptional and our industry strong: free enterprise, competitiveness, individual liberty and equal opportunity.”

-Greenerd-

Founded in New England in 1883, Greenerd Press & Machine Company has designed and built thousands of high-quality custom and standard hydraulic presses since 1934. Designed to meet challenging application needs, Greenerd presses are made to withstand the rigors of around-the-clock production and deliver many years of service. Greenerd’s extensive line of hydraulic presses are available in a variety of styles ranging from gap frame and straight-side to die-spotting and forging presses, with unlimited size and tonnage capabilities. Fully automated and integrated press solutions are offered for all market segments and industrial applications.

Greenerd has decades of in-house applications engineering experience, successfully designing presses for a broad range of manufacturing applications. Utilizing the latest engineering technologies, Greenerd engineers design and build innovative, safe, efficient, reliable hydraulic press systems with turn-key automation and integration with peripheral and auxiliary systems. For more information about Greenerd Press, please visit http://www.greenerd.com.

41 Crown St. • Nashua, NH 03060 • (603) 889-4101

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.38 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 64% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement after joining President Donald Trump at the White House as he announced proposed updates to the National Environmental Policy Act implementing regulations.

President Trump is once again taking action to power our industry—and our economy—forward. The NAM’s Building to Win infrastructure plan called for exactly this type of modernization—because our efforts should be used for building the infrastructure Americans desperately need, not wasted on mountains of paperwork and endless delays.

We thank the administration for listening to manufacturers—and working to ensure that the 21st-century highways, bridges, power lines, cell towers and more that we rely on get built. Our hope is that these improvements will modernize infrastructure permitting so we can get more shovels in the ground and even more manufacturers to work. Manufacturers will continue keeping our promise to reduce our environmental footprint through innovation and sustainable practices—because we know that economic growth and environmental stewardship can and must go hand-in-hand.

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.38 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement on House passage of the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement:

Months ago, when others predicted nothing but partisan gridlock, manufacturers mobilized to make sure that the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement won the overwhelming support it deserved. Today, the NAM’s efforts helped secure a strong bipartisan vote for this historic agreement. Democrats and Republicans alike voted to protect the millions of manufacturing jobs that depend on North American trade.

The NAM’s nationwide efforts activated manufacturing workers and supporters, reaching members of Congress with thousands of pro-USMCA letters, calls and meetings. In doing so, we drove the narrative, making the USMCA not about partisan politics but about good policy for growing manufacturing in America. The Senate should act swiftly; manufacturers have waited long enough, and passage of the USMCA will help restore trade certainty and empower our industry, the backbone of the America economy, to continue growing here in the United States.

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.38 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.